From Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Snead’s Farm
Fredericksburg, Va. — A partnership between the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Snead’s Farm’s community supported agriculture (CSA) program has resulted in more than 17,000 pounds of locally grown produce being made available for use across the Food Bank’s many programs so far in 2023. Now through Oct. 4, community support can help the Food Bank access a $5,000 matching grant to keep this program going next year.
Two generous donors purchased 25 shares of Snead’s Farm 2023 CSA for the Food Bank. The CSA is a weekly box of produce, with goods coming from Snead’s Farm in Caroline County, as well as other family-owned farms throughout the greater Fredericksburg region. Snead’s Farm has supplemented the donated shares with extra loads of watermelons, corn and other items when available, and individuals who are members of the CSA program have been able to donate their personal boxes to the Food Bank when they are out of town or unable to pick them up.
So far this year, the partnership has allowed the Food Bank to access a stream of local produce with a retail value of more than $39,000 (with two more box pickups still to go this season). For the Food Bank, this has equated to 14,305 meals provided to neighbors in need.
“Fresh produce is very important to the neighbors we serve, because it profoundly impacts their health and well-being,” said Holly King, Agricultural and Community Relationships Coordinator with the Food Bank. “By offering nutrient-dense foods, we empower our neighbors to make healthier choices, promoting long-term well-being and creating a stronger, more vibrant community.”
The Food Bank would like to continue this program next year, and an anonymous donor has offered to match up to $5,000 in donations from the public now through Oct. 4. Contributions may be made online at fredfood.fenly.org/drive/sneadsfarm. If the matching grant is accessed, the Food Bank will be able to purchase 15 CSA shares for the 2024 season at the discounted rate the farm offers the organization.
“2024 will be my 16th year running the CSA and being able to partner with the Food Bank to get this fresh and nutritious food out into our community has been a new and fun adventure in my more than 60 years in farming,” said Emmett Snead, owner of Snead’s Farm.
Donors can contribute $664 to purchase an entire CSA share for the Food Bank, or they may give any amount they can to go toward the Food Bank’s CSA fund. Giving to the partnership with Snead’s is a way to ensure that locally grown, unprocessed produce shows up on more families’ tables in the Fredericksburg community.
